The Declaration’s Force - 4 week series

Join us for "The Declaration’s Force," a four-week summer school series led by renegade Americophile English Cultural Historian Nicholas Friend, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. The series will take place on Wednesdays—June 24, July 1, July 8, and July 15, 2026—from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a recommended amount of $35 per person per session, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

This course will explore the profound influence and implications of the Declaration, examining key philosophical texts that laid its groundwork, such as John Locke’s ‘Two Treatises of Government’ and Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense.’ Subsequent sessions will delve into the eloquent language of the Declaration and its foundational role in shaping American identity through literature and art. Each week will highlight different aspects, including the influence of American Renaissance writers like Emerson and Thoreau, as well as the patriotic artistic responses by figures such as John Trumbull and Thomas Cole.

Experience a unique educational perspective and engage in discussions about the Declaration’s legacy and ongoing relevance. Sign up now through Eventbrite!